Claim a life Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɫeɪm/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫaɪf
KLAYM uh LYFE
klˈeɪm/ /æɪ/ /lˈaɪf
KLAYM uh LYFE
Definition
To cause someone to die, usually used for accidents, disasters, or diseases that result in death.
Usage & Nuances
This is formal and commonly found in news reports and official statements. Used with disasters, accidents, wars, and diseases, not for intentional killing. Often used in passive structures: 'The flood claimed three lives.' Don't use for routine deaths or personal causes.
Spanish: cobrar una vida - causar la muertePortuguese (BR): tirar uma vida - causar a mortePortuguese (PT): tirar uma vida - causar a morteChinese (Simplified): 夺走生命 - 导致死亡Chinese (Traditional): 奪走生命 - 導致死亡Hindi: किसी की जान लेना - मृत्यु का कारण बननाArabic: يحصد روحاً - يتسبب في وفاةBengali: প্রাণ নেওয়া - জীবন কেড়ে নেওয়াRussian: унести жизнь - отнять жизнь (несчастный случай, катастрофа)Japanese: 命を奪うVietnamese: cướp đi một mạng người - lấy đi sinh mạngKorean: 목숨을 앗아가다Turkish: can almakUrdu: جان لینا (حادثے، آفت یا بیماری میں)Indonesian: merenggut nyawa
Example Sentences
The earthquake claimed a life in the city.
basic
The disease claimed a life last month.
basic
The car crash claimed a life on the highway.
basic
Sadly, the hurricane claimed a life before rescuers could help.
natural
The epidemic has claimed many lives worldwide.
natural
It's tragic whenever a storm claims a life.
natural